Southeast Missouri State University
03/12/2026 | Press release | Archived content
SEMO Cyber Defense Team Continues on to Regional Competition Once Again
Southeast Missouri State University's Cyber Defense Team placed third at the Missouri Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC), outperforming programs across the state and reinforcing SEMO's growing reputation in cybersecurity.
Following the state qualifier in February, the team advanced to the Midwest wildcard round, where second- and third-place teams from each state compete for the final regional spots. SEMO placed second in the wildcard competition, earning a place in the Midwest Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.
The team entered the competition following months of training that began in September. Meeting multiple times each week and competing throughout the fall, students gained extensive experience in advanced systems administration, cybersecurity policy, threat hunting and detection engineering.
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"Success of this caliber is built through months of disciplined preparation and long hours of practice," said Dr. Mario Garcia, professor in the Department of Computer Science. "Our students demonstrate not only outstanding technical skills, but also resilience, teamwork and true professional character."
The eight-hour competition simulates a live business environment under cyberattack, requiring teams to defend networks, respond to threats and maintain operations in real time. The high-pressure format mirrors the demands graduates will face in the field.
Team captain and cybersecurity senior Sam Brucker said the team is ready to take on regionals.
"It's a highly advanced competition, which is crucial training for students going into cybersecurity," said Brucker. "This is our third time reaching the wildcard round, and we finished closely behind Indiana Tech, which was sixth in the nation last season."
SEMO will compete in the Midwest Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition at Purdue University Northwest March 20-21, facing top programs from across the region.
Garcia said the competition showcased exactly what sets SEMO's cybersecurity students apart.
"They competed with focus, passion, and determination," said Garcia. "That's what sets SEMO apart."
Ready to move fearlessly forward into cybersecurity? Visit semo.edu/computer-science today.
Southeast Missouri State University published this content on March 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 03, 2026 at 09:00 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]